Lahore: The Punjab government has placed relevant authorities on alert in response to forecasts of “moderate to very heavy rains” during this year’s monsoon season, as reported on Monday.
This proactive measure follows a weather advisory from the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) indicating expectations of above-average rainfall.
Acting on directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to prepare for substantial showers, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has instructed all concerned departments to remain vigilant.
The monsoon is expected to commence in the first week of July, affecting various parts of Punjab with rainfall ranging from 15 to 55 millimeters in divisions including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. In contrast, lesser but still significant showers are predicted for Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
According to the advisory, upper Punjab, particularly Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, and Faisalabad divisions, may experience rainfalls of 25-35mm, while isolated showers are anticipated in Multan, DG Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
As the monsoon progresses, precipitation is expected to decrease in central and southern Punjab.
The PDMA cautioned about potential impacts of these rains, including increased water levels in local nullahs, streams, and rivers, potentially leading to riverine and flash flooding in vulnerable areas. Hill torrents in DG Khan Division are also a concern.
Moreover, urban flooding is a risk in vulnerable urban areas across Punjab, with possible landslides in Murree due to heavy rainfall.
The advisory further warned of potential damage to infrastructure such as electrical poles, solar panels, and under-construction buildings from dust storms, wind-thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall.
